VOLUNTEER Gwyneth Penwell-Smith (92) from St Francis Bay has, for many years, remained dedicated to knitting various items for terminally ill patients of St Francis Hospice, who rely on the generosity of the community.
According to the manager of the hospice, Sister Ingrid Williams, the hospice offers care to patients facing terminal cancer, Aids, and motor neuron disease in their own homes, in areas such as Thornhill, Loerie, Hankey, Patensie, Kareedouw, Clarkson, Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay and Humansdorp.
Williams said the hospice helps the patient and educates family members on how to take care of sick patients.
“We handle issues like pain control, lack of appetite, breathlessness, and tiredness,” said Williams.
“No-one is prepared for the difficult task of caring for someone they love with a terminal illness, and we are therefore available 24/7 to assist and advise.”
The St Francis Hospice currently has two nursing sisters namely, Williams, and Sister Marian Coertzen, who have had to undergo intensive training in palliative care to give comfort and dignity to patients when there was no further curative care indicated.
Since the hospice is a non-profit organisation, Williams said they relied on the generosity of the community.
“Although times are hard, and resources are limited we are fully committed to giving loving and professional care to all who need it,” said Williams.
Penwell-Smith, or Gwyn, as she is affectionately known, has been knitting various items and then donating them to patients in need.
“Gwyn has been a volunteer for many years and has given selflessly of her time and resources to make the lives of the less privileged hospice patients more comfortable,” said Williams.
“What an example of selfless love and compassion towards those suffering terminal illness and poverty.”
Before Penwell-Smith’s husband, Roland Penwell-Smith, passed away from lung cancer in 2001, he received great care from the nursing sisters at the hospice.
Now, more than 20 years later, Penwell-Smith has remained dedicated to knitting various items such as blankets, beanies, and scarves for the patients of the hospice.
“St Francis Hospice is very dear to my heart, and I am so grateful for all they have done for me and my late husband,” said Penwell-Smith.
She said knitting had always been a part of her life but, as she had grown older, she was not able to knit as often as she used to.
Penwell-Smith, who is a member of the United Church in St Francis Bay, said the church taught people to take care of those who were less fortunate and doing good work was what God expected from all people.
